Typically, the Motion Graphic Design program follows the Course Sequence described below. However, Expression College for Digital Arts reserves the right to modify or change the school calendar, curriculum, class schedules, and/or course sequence as it deems necessary to ensure that student and institutional goals are met.
Please note that only 2508 total contact hours are required for completion of the Motion Graphic Design BAS program unless the student chooses to take the Independent Study elective which requires an additional 26 contact hours for a total of 2534 contact hours.
As part of the Motion Graphic Design program students are required to earn 30 credits in General Education (see the General Education section for more details), and must take all Common Core courses (see the Common Core section for more details).
Course Descriptions:
ANTH110: Cultural Anthropology
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
A comparative examination of family organizations, personal kinship, marriage, household, and family conventions within the context of class, gender, race, ethnicity, ruralization, urbanization, and globalization across different social and cultural systems. Students will study global norms, and use research materials and multimedia channels to analyze and frame cultural facets within a historic context. Outcomes include an in-depth understanding of social organizations, including group dynamics and the role that cultural differences can play in global society. Students will be assessed using in-class and self-directed work, which includes research assignments, analysis, multimedia presentations, and topic-based reporting.
PSY111: Introduction to Psychology
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course serves as an introduction to psychology, focusing on the examination of historic developments and empirical approaches. Students will explore ideas of perception, cognition, personality and social psychology, and biological aspects of behavior. Topics include the development of personality, achievement motivation, self-understanding, and anti-social behavior. The course surveys current theories in psychology, cognitive science, and behavioral economics.
ENG112: American Literature
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
An introductory study of several genres of American literature, emphasizing both analysis of particular works and the range of forms and styles in prose and poetry; students will analyze the stylistic and technical attributes of American literary masters through the evaluation of representative texts, primary sources, and multimedia channels. Class topics include postcolonial literature; literature from the South, Native American literature, Jazz Age, and Harlem renaissance, and crime/mystery/science fiction through history. Frequent writing assignments will be made, including analysis of source material, topic research, and style essays. Students are assessed and graded on journal entries, research papers, and in-class participation.
ENG114: Analytical Writing
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
A constructive introduction to the practice of written analysis; students classify and categorize literary elements, develop thesis statements, and identify themes. Heavy emphasis is placed on analysis and interpretation of information and texts as well as critical reasoning and strategies. Students will develop a critical voice, and will learn how to read and write from an analytical perspective. Texts include the Modern Language Association handbook, and a collection of modern American short stories and prose.
ENG120: Creative Writing
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course presents the principles of writing fiction. Students will write both in prescribed forms and in experimental forms. Style, language, and structure in prose and poetry will be examined, and topic and thematic-based writing will be used to assess aesthetic choices and stylistic development. Students will learn best practices in developing and revising original composition, and will develop an aesthetic identity and personal frame of reference through developmental writing assignments and analysis.
PSY121: Sociology
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
A survey and exploration of sociological concepts and perspectives concerning human groups and infrastructure.; aspects of study include development of groups and related socialization trends, culture, organization, roles and facets of past and modern societies, and conformity and deviance in societies. Students will analyze data through research and text analysis, with a specific focus on theory and application. Students will develop a greater understanding of social organization and how it conditions human behavior.
SOC131: Popular Culture
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course will survey the social mechanisms that shape modern popular culture. High, folk, and mass culture will be covered and related to the historical emergence of popular culture. Topics include mass media, commercialization, ideology, and cultural styles. Theories and methods for analyzing cultural expressions in popular music, art, film, television, and advertising will be presented. Students will be introduced to the ethical and economic issues that define popular culture, and will complete the course with a better understanding of the forces and events that shape current consciousness.
SCI141: Concepts in Science
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
This course presents essential principles in science, including an overview of systems and practices in physical, chemical, and biological science such as scale, energy, time, and systems of measurement. Related topics include the scientific method, good and bad science, research, and writing in the physical sciences. Students will develop an understanding of the scientific method and its approaches to problem solving.
HIS151: Modern Western Civilization
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The growth of Western Civilization from antiquity to the present, emphasizing themes in social, religious, military and political organization, and art and literature that reflect cultural interaction and change. This course emphasizes the political, social, cultural, and intellectual characteristics of history which influenced the 21st century. Students will use text and multimedia to enhance their understanding, and will be assessed using in-class presentation, personal journal writing, and special project development.
MAT160: Mathematical Concepts
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
Concepts in polynomials, factoring equations, graphs, logarithms, and inequalities designed to prepare the student for college work in mathematics. Students will improve their analytical skills, including formulating mathematical solutions to a wide array of real-world problems, and will solidify a foundation in core concepts.
HIS221: American History
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The experience of the American people from the Colonial Era to the present, emphasizing themes of immigration, slavery, commerce, personal liberty, culture, warfare, and the growth of democratic institutions. Students will develop independent, critical, analytical skills to assess political and socioeconomic developments in American History.
MAT260: Geometry
Class Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (2)
Prerequisites: None
Vector analysis, curves, and surfaces in three dimensions are covered through an understanding of planar and solid geometry. Students will develop a college-level understanding of the importance of geometry and the role it plays in diverse applications. Topics will include properties and angles of shapes, space analysis, application and use of coordinates, and formulating
accurate proofs.
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Common Core Classes
Common core courses at Expression are professional studies courses that are relevant to students in all programs of study. Common core courses give students the opportunity to work with students from other programs as well as their own. Students are required to take all common core courses as part of their respective program requirements.
CC101: Media Sound and Visual 1
Class Contact Hours (33) Lab Contact Hours (54) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
The Media Sound and Visual 1 (MSV 1) course is focused on the visual aspects of digital media production and gives students the opportunity to work collaboratively while creating a short-form cinema project. From writing an original script and creating storyboards to directing, shooting, and editing, students are immersed in the complete production process from start to finish. Students learn how to use digital video cameras, lighting equipment, production sound equipment, and non-linear digital video editing systems. The experience that students gain during the production of an original movie will serve them throughout their career as well as lay the foundation upon which the understanding of more advanced concepts can be developed.
CC102: Media Sound and Visual 2
Class Contact Hours (33) Lab Contact Hours (54) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of CC101 Media Sound and Visual 1
Media Sound and Visual 2 (MSV 2) is an innovative introduction to the fundamental concepts, techniques, equipment, and terminology associated with sound. Through lectures, demonstrations, and discussion students sample the aesthetics, history, physics, mathematics, biology, electronics, and psychology between 20Hz to 20KHz. In laboratory, theoretical knowledge is put to practical use as students step through an entire audio post-production cycle with their films from the previous class.
CC103: Living in a Media World 1
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
Living in a Media World 1 (LMW1) is an introductory course covering theoretical and artistic principles in visual and aural production. Students will be taught basic design, sound and motion software to apply theoretical concepts to their own artistic development. Students will be exposed to artistic work created by some of today’s leading artists in order to gain insight on applying technique to theory. The class will also provide an environment where students can share their work and ideas as well as critique each other’s progress. All artistic, technical, and theoretical work will culminate in a collaborative project in the form of a creative pitch and a final project plan for a podcast.
CC104: Living in a Media World 2
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of CC103 Living in a Media World 1
Living in a Media World 2 (LMW 2) is the second part to a two-course sequence. It is a project-based class focused on creating an online presence. Students will build on visual and aural knowledge while producing a video podcast and a flash website to host the podcast. The class will also provide an environment where students can share their work and ideas as well as critique each other’s progress in production, Web design, and post-production. Lectures will cover media theory, Flash 8, Reason, Final Cut Pro, Pro Tools and Photoshop.
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Click for gallery and award winning movies produced in Media Sound & Visual)
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Click for gallery and award winning fine artwork produced in Fine Arts) (New gallery!)
CC401: Professional Life Skills
Class Contact Hours (30) Lab Contact Hours (30) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The Professional Life Skills course is designed to help prepare students for employment, professional interaction and living skills. Students will experience and explore many of the necessary techniques and tools needed to find employment and be successful in a professional setting. Creation of a professional presentation package is emphasized, as well as interviewing skills, business etiquette, networking and personal marketing techniques.
CC402: Business of Media
Class Contact Hours (45) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The course objective is to provide students practical insights into the dynamic industry of media business. This is accomplished through detailed analysis of what considerations today’s industry is facing as well as in-depth explorations of such business aspects as contracts, corporate structures and negotiation tactics. Also covered are presentation, raising capital, construction, contractual agreements, marketing, personnel, client satisfaction, downside risk analysis and the myriad other responsibilities and considerations with which students will be challenged.
CC403: DVD Authoring
Class Contact Hours (24) Lab Contact Hours (42) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
The DVD Authoring course guides students through an in-depth exploration of the complex new tools and techniques used to create content for optical disc storage technology-- the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD). Students will gain unique insights into the DVD format, production processes, MPEG-2 compression techniques, and tools required to take full advantage of this medium. Students participate in every aspect of DVD pre-mastering and mastering, from the initial project planning, menu design and bit budgeting to the actual assemblage and editing of audio and visual assets to create the disc image. Students are also given an in-depth look at DVD specifications so that their skills can be applied to any DVD workstation. All students are required to complete their own personal DVD portfolio by the end of the course.
ART101: Drawing Boot Camp
Class Contact Hours (36) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: None
The objective of Drawing Boot Camp is to teach students the tools necessary to enhance their drawing skills as well as teach a new way of seeing and looking at the world in preparation for a future in digital art. This will be achieved through a series of unique exercises, designed to develop skills in the standards of figure drawing, anatomy, perspective and portraiture. The first half of the course focuses on drawing from life, building artistic skills, honing visual acuity and hand-eye execution, as well as developing an internal data bank of images and visual understanding. The second half of the course builds on this foundation to explore drawing from the imagination, including concept art, storyboarding, character design and visual storytelling.
ART103: Design Basics
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: None
A career in the digital art field requires a working knowledge of art and art concepts, as well as familiarity with professional art terminology. Students will explore color theory, composition, figurative and conceptual sculpture, design, painting, and other traditional media, art history and museum studies. The course culminates in a student art gallery exhibition of final projects. Concepts covered in class will inform students' future work in both 3D and 2D digital art and design.
MGD201: Color and Type 1
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4.0)
Prerequisites: None
In Color and Type 1, students learn how to create captivating designs for targeted audiences through the complete design process, from concept development to final output. Students focus heavily on the core visual design principles of color theory and typography. Students develop a critical eye and further their design sense through critique and assessing the work of other designers, while learning the psychology behind visual design, color theory and typography. Each student works with a real client and finishes the course with a strong portfolio piece as well as a thorough understanding of how to apply basic design concepts to the presentation of information.
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ART104: Concept and Imaging
Class Contact Hours (27) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: CC104 Living in a Media World 2, ART101 Drawing Boot camp, and ART103 Design Basics
Concept and Imaging combines the power of conceptual design with digital photography; working with the goal of creating a compelling visual composition. Students will create a project that enhances their ability to develop an idea. They will work in a group atmosphere and learn how to brainstorm. They will also dive into the world of concept and imaging via Photoshop and other digital imaging software. They will be introduced to image editing and color correction, as well as learning basic collage and masking techniques through the use of layers, paths and selection masks. Students will endeavor to develop a critical eye and sharply honed design sense by focusing on the core design principles and typography that will help their individual designs stand out.
MGD202: Color and Type 2
Class Contact Hours (28) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: MGD201 Color and Type 1
In Color and Type 2, students expand upon their knowledge of color and explore sophisticated use of typography. The knowledge and application of experimental typography as an expressive language is advanced through research of designers and typographers throughout time. Students learn how to present their research visually, work in a group setting, and how to effectively brainstorm. The process for developing strategic and compelling brand identities and designs is explored in depth as students acquire hands-on experience, using the Adobe Creative Suite to create finished and polished designs. The students learn how to prepare artwork for use across different media platforms and have the opportunity to create a working font using FontLab software.
MGD203: Digital Media and Mass Communication
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: MGD202 Color and Type 2
Digital Media and Mass Communication further explores the expressive aspects of typography, looking at the different ways in which letterforms, layout, images, and color choices create an impact on the reader. Type and layout professionals look at the big picture as well as the details. This course covers all the minutiae (special characters, ligatures, dashes, and hyphens) the student will need to know to add finesse to text layouts and magazine spreads. The specifics of kerning, leading, and tracking adjustments, as well as the exploration of how your choice of type style affects your overall approach is integrated into a final group project – a printed magazine suitable for the student’s portfolio.
MGD204: Animation and Motion Theory
Class Contact Hours (28) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: ART104 Concept and Imaging
In Animation and Motion Theory, students learn how to create short, effective animations utilizing the 12 core animation principles. Students learn how to create a character walk cycle as well as compelling typographical motion-graphic pieces in Adobe Flash. Following industry studio procedures, students develop effective vector-based animation from original storyboards to fully-rendered movement. Students will develop and design a complete animation piece to include in their portfolio.
MGD205: Interactivity & Screen Design 1
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: MGD204 Animation and Motion Theory
Interactivity and Screen Design 1 focuses on the design/concept process using front-end web technologies. Lectures in this class encompass effective usability, semantics, integrating professional practices and personal aesthetics, working with code, image optimization, and cross-platform compatibility. Students become familiar with color systems and how to publish to an interactive medium. Through technical and theoretical aspects of designing in this medium, students will understand and know the process/strategies professional interactive and interface designers employ, including design and placement of graphics, animation, text elements, functional navigation systems and information architecture. They will learn how to create and style web pages using HTML and CSS. The final project for this class is a real-world client project.
MGD301: Interactivity & Screen Design 2
Class Contact Hours (28) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: MGD205 Interactivity & Screen Design 1
In Interactivity and Screen Design 2, students learn how to create seamless interfaces using Graphical User Interface design principles on screens ranging in size from large to small. Students learn how to build and program interactive elements using Flash ActionScript for deployment on desktop, web or mobile devices. Drawing on user experience research and web standards of good practice, students develop interfaces for the web at a professional and robust level. Class projects include design for mobile devices (cell phones, handhelds, etc).
MGD302: Advertising Concept and Strategy 1
Class Contact Hours (28) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: MGD202 Color and Type 2
In Advertising Concept and Strategy 1, students learn the way real-world creative professionals utilize research and strategy to effectively communicate ideas to target markets in print and Web advertising. This course introduces students to the variety of concept generation and brainstorming techniques critical for the development of strong marketing strategies and campaigns. Classes are focused on conceptual progression through critique and reiteration of advertising projects. Students learn how to communicate powerful and memorable messages in a final project that represents a real-world Public Service Announcement (PSA) poster campaign.
MGD304: Advertising Concept and Strategy 2
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: MGD302 Advertising Concept and Strategy 1, MGD303 Motion Graphics 1
Advertising Concept and Strategy 2 builds off of the foundation laid in Advertising Concept and Strategy 1. This course strengthens the students’ ability to create an integrated advertising campaign in media formats including motion graphics broadcast design. Students will continue exercises in brainstorming, problem solving, identity/brand design, show package concept and execution, promotions, as well as ways of executing these types of projects for delivery across multiple media platforms.
MGD303: Motion Graphics 1
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: MGD204 Animation and Motion Theory
In Motion Graphics 1, students are introduced to Adobe After Effects, an industry-standard compositing and animation tool used to bring static design elements and typography to life. Students expand on their layout and design skills by introducing the element of time to their creative vocabulary. Students learn how to set key frames and manipulate images over time, how to pan large-resolution still images, and simulate camera moves. Topics such as timing, rhythm, and contrast of motion with be examined. Students will learn what it takes to create a unique design for a specific audience, and how professionals use visual design principles to create effective motion graphics pieces. The course has a heavy emphasis on critique and the development of a critical vision with regard to motion graphics.
MGD305: Motion Graphics 2
Class Contact Hours (28) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: MGD303 Motion Graphics 1
In Motion Graphics 2, students advance their layout and design skills to strengthen their understanding of the dynamic uses of motion graphics and animation for broadcast and film. Adobe After Effects is covered in greater detail, and the course emphasizes tips and techniques for project planning and more efficient workflow. Topics in this course include advanced animation techniques, nulls, expressions, track mattes, and keying to composite video and graphic layers. The final project is an animated line-up for a TV program.
MGD306: 3D for Designers
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: MGD401 3D Modeling 1
3D for Designers expands and increases the knowledge base and skill set gained in 3D Modeling 1. Students learn professional techniques for the production of 3D stills as well as animations. Students will learn how to utilize MoGraph (a Cinema 4D module) as a fundamental design tool in combination with software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects to create dazzling motion graphic 3D animations.
MGD401: 3D Modeling 1
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: ART104 Concept and Imaging
In 3D Modeling 1, students examine 3D modeling techniques, terminology and methods. Students work primarily in the software program Cinema 4D to learn basic 3D principles, with emphasis on modeling efficiently and correctly, investigating methods of modifying and deforming geometry, as well as selecting points and polygons for editing. This course combines areas of 3D design such as animation, texturing, lighting and rendering. Different areas of modeling will be explored including logos, architecture, landscapes, vehicles and characters.
MGD402: Motion Graphics and Sound
Class Contact Hours (28) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: MGD202 Color and Type 2, MGD305 Motion Graphics 2
In this advanced concept and theory laden course, students build upon their knowledge of motion graphics and skills learned in Motion Graphics 1 and 2 as well as their typographic skills learned in fundamentals courses such as Color and Type 1 & 2. Students will use a variety of motion graphic design, digital video and sound editing software to create animated type designs that integrate sound effects, music and motion graphics for digital cinema. As a final project, students create movie titles for original films created by students in the Media, Sound and Visual 1 & 2 courses.
MGD403: Music and Video: Short Form Cinema
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: MGD305 Motion Graphics 2
This class is coupled with the Music Video 2 / Advanced Effects class. Students work with real-world Sound Arts projects that have been recorded at Ex’pression to produce innovative music videos. Students are introduced to the history of the music video genre and discuss the evolution of the format as it is known today as “short form cinema.” Students interface with clients from the Sound Arts music projects to brainstorm the concepts that will then be integrated into dynamic music videos. Students take the client’s project from concept and storyboarding, to pre-production and live video shoots, to post-production and editing. Students learn video encoding and delivery formats for broadcast. The final project for this class is an edited Music Video. Students will complete their Music Video by adding motion graphic design elements and special effects in the Music Video 2 / Advanced Effects class.
MGD404: Creative Direction
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: MGD202 Color and Type 2, MGD301 Interactivity & Screen Design 2, MGD304 Advertising Concept and Strategy 2, MGD305 Motion Graphics 2
In Creative Direction, students learn how to manage a project, develop an agenda, conduct a meeting, and work in groups — experiences that simulate a real-world design studio, TV station or advertising agency. Students gain creative direction skills and project management skills by executing a project for a real-world client. Students experience and explore the business aspects of design, investigating effective ways to work in a project-based design team environment. The final project is a real-world client campaign, which includes broadcast, web, print, and various marketing design elements.
MGD406: Music and Video 2 and Advanced Effects
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: MGD403 Music and Video: Short Form Cinema
In this course students build their technical expertise and complete the post-production portion of their Music Video by creating and adding special effects and motion graphic design elements. Students are exposed to advanced software systems – including 2D and 3D compositing – which are used to create effects at leading digital effects companies. The final project for this class is a Music Video incorporating motion graphic designs and special effects.
MGD405: Final Project
Class Contact Hours (37) Lab Contact Hours (48) Semester Credit Units (4)
Prerequisites: MGD203 Digital Media and Mass Communication, MGD301 Interactivity & Screen Design 2, MGD305 Motion Graphics 2, and MGD306 3D for Designers
Final Project students plan, develop and produce their online portfolio and motion graphics reel, highlighting the design work produced while attending Ex’pression and fully incorporating the tools and software skills from all prior courses. In concordance with Professional Life Skills this course’s lectures include discussion of job descriptions for the specific areas of the industry they are interested in joining, salaries, and resume building. Creative directors from the industry will lecture about what they look for in prospective employee portfolios. At the end of class students will have their own reel and online portfolio.
MGD407 Elective: Independent Study
Independent Study Hours (90) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: MGD405 Final Project. Students must also have a faculty sponsor.
Independent study provides students the opportunity to pursue individualized study, and is student initiated, advanced level study, focused on specific learning objectives. Students work one-on-one with a faculty member to create learning objectives, goals, and evaluation methods. The purpose of Independent Study is to allow students to pursue advanced academic study in areas where he/she has a foundational background. Students must be prepared to work independently and to meet regularly with a faculty sponsor. Faculty sponsors must be qualified to evaluate your work. Independent Study is intended for advanced-level students who have a substantial background in a particular area and are interested in doing specialized work in that area. Independent study is not appropriate for first and second year students.
MGD408 Elective: Beyond the screen: Motion Graphic Installations
Class Contact Hours (28) Lab Contact Hours (36) Semester Credit Units (3)
Prerequisites: MGD305 Motion Graphics 2
In this course students are exposed to the dazzling applications of audio-video installations. Lecture topics include microcontroller-driven interactive installations (such as Crickets – small programmable devices developed by the MIT media lab – and Basic Stamps), and site-specific audio/video installations (such as multi-screen projections, VJ-ing). Advanced topics include how to create real-time dynamic render imagery, and explore how students can dynamically create visuals that respond to motion, sound and sensors. As a final project, students will develop and produce a site-specific audio-video installation.
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